FATIMA film review
London School of Theology
Jacob Hussain
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Einstein’s famous quote is a more than appropriate quote to end Pontecorvo’s inspiring faith-based movie. Complete with a fame-filled cast list – from the passionate priestly portrayal of Joaquim de Almeida to the humbly meek Mary of Joana Ribeiro – FATIMA boldly explores the questions of divine revelation and faithful trust whilst maintaining integrity in how it approaches such a controversial historical event.
The story follows the experiences of the young Lúcia, a Portuguese shepherd girl, and her encounters with the Virgin Mary, experiences shared by her two cousins Arturo and Jacinta. Set in the midst of the First World War, Lúcia is visited by the Virgin Mother who identifies herself as an ‘Angel of Peace.’ She is told to have faith, to regularly pray the rosary, and to trust in Jesus’ heart for the world, and, particularly, for those struck by the war. It is in the rest of the movie that we see just how crucial that calling is.
At first, the issues seem minor; her mother does not believe her revelation, and her father remains sceptical. The local priest, however, seems adamant that the apparition was from the Devil, not Heaven. But as word spreads, so, too, do the crowds. Hundreds then thousands of devoted Christians congregate to talk to this ‘seer,’ hoping she will intercede to Mary on their behalf. And as the crowds grow, so too does the scepticism. Lúcia faces a constant, painful battle throughout the movie as she grows further and further away from her family – certainly, one of the most painful concepts in the movie is in how Lúcia is faced with a simple ultimatum: renounce her experiences and confess to lying, or bring greater tension to her relationships with her family, and her family’s relationships with the community.
Einstein’s famous quote is a more than appropriate quote to end Pontecorvo’s inspiring faith-based movie. Complete with a fame-filled cast list – from the passionate priestly portrayal of Joaquim de Almeida to the humbly meek Mary of Joana Ribeiro – FATIMA boldly explores the questions of divine revelation and faithful trust whilst maintaining integrity in how it approaches such a controversial historical event.
The story follows the experiences of the young Lúcia, a Portuguese shepherd girl, and her encounters with the Virgin Mary, experiences shared by her two cousins Arturo and Jacinta. Set in the midst of the First World War, Lúcia is visited by the Virgin Mother who identifies herself as an ‘Angel of Peace.’ She is told to have faith, to regularly pray the rosary, and to trust in Jesus’ heart for the world, and, particularly, for those struck by the war. It is in the rest of the movie that we see just how crucial that calling is.
At first, the issues seem minor; her mother does not believe her revelation, and her father remains sceptical. The local priest, however, seems adamant that the apparition was from the Devil, not Heaven. But as word spreads, so, too, do the crowds. Hundreds then thousands of devoted Christians congregate to talk to this ‘seer,’ hoping she will intercede to Mary on their behalf. And as the crowds grow, so too does the scepticism. Lúcia faces a constant, painful battle throughout the movie as she grows further and further away from her family – certainly, one of the most painful concepts in the movie is in how Lúcia is faced with a simple ultimatum: renounce her experiences and confess to lying, or bring greater tension to her relationships with her family, and her family’s relationships with the community.
The story is beautifully written, full of integrity and honesty. The acting is beautiful and simple, and the filmography is clear and does nothing to distract from the pure wonder of the movie. I do believe every believer, and every sceptic, should watch this movie, allow themselves to question and explore, and rejoice in the ever-present God, Who is eternally interested and attentive to our cries for help.
And at the end of it all, the message of the Virgin Mary remains pertinent in the life of each believer pushing through a world which seeks to doubt and tear them down: have faith, pray regularly, and trust in Jesus’ heart for this world.
And in all things, strive for a childlike faith.
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”